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[Functions of Y-box binding protein and its role in tumorigenicity].

Y-box binding proteins, belonging to a family of multifunctional proteins conserved from bacteria to human, are involved in transcriptional and translational regulation of various genes, mRNA alternative splicing, DNA replication and repair, as well as cell proliferation. A typical Y-box binding protein contains three structure domains, namely the N-terminal domain, the hydrophilic C-terminal domain and the conserved cold shock domain (CSD) which binds strongly to inverted CCAAT box found in different promoters and determines protein function.Y-box binding proteins may play an important physiological role in cell proliferation.For example, the human Y-box protein 1 (YB-1) may be repressed in the oncogenic phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway. In addition, it may also act as a negative regulator of p53. It has been demonstrated that YB-1 represses transcription of the p53 promoter in a sequence-specific manner using specifically reporter assays. This implies that YB-1 may, in some situations, protect cells from p53-mediated apoptosis, indicating that YB-1 may be a good target for the development of a new therapeutics.The function of Y-box binding protein and its effect on carcinogenesis are summarized in the paper. We hope to further explore the functional roles of Y-box binding protein, and provide some helpful lines and suggestions for tumor control.

Animals↗

[The function of F-box protein in plant growth and development].

Ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis is involved in many biological processes in eukaryotes. SCF complex is a very important ubiquitin E3 ligase which has been exploited very well in plants. F-box protein characterized by an F-box motif is a subunit of SCF complex, which works as determinant in substrate recognition. Currently, many F-box proteins have been identified in plants which are involving in hormone (e.g., ethylene, auxin, gibberellin and jasmonate ) signal transduction and biological processes, such as self-incompatibility and floral development. F-box proteins may also participate stress response in plants. Recent study suggested that the Arabidopsis F-box protein TIR1 is an auxin receptor. Therefore, F-box protein mediated proteolysis may be an important gene expression mechanism in plants.

F-Box Proteins↗

Transcription of cathepsin B in glioma cells: regulation by an E-box adjacent to the transcription initiation site.

We have previously isolated the human cathepsin B promoter and shown that Sp1 and Ets factors are involved in the regulation of cathepsin B expression. Using mutagenesis, transient transfection and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs), we further identified regulatory factors that mediate cathepsin B transcription in U87 human glioblastoma cells. An E-box element (CACGTG) adjacent to the transcription initiation site (at nucleotides -7 to -2) was found to be indispensable for cathepsin B promoter activity. Mutation of this E-box element in both pSCB2, a promoter construct with high promoter activity, and pSCB6, a construct with basal promoter activity, led to a 90% decrease in promoter activity in U87 cells. EMSAs demonstrated that upstream stimulatory factor 1 (USF-1) and upstream stimulatory factor 2 (USF-2) bound to the E-box as a heterodimer. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that both USF-1 and USF-2 were associated with the cathepsin B promoter. The roles of USF-1 and USF-2 in the regulation of cathepsin B expression were demonstrated by (i) co-transfection experiments showing that USF-1 or USF-2 increased promoter activity by 2.5-fold individually and by 3.4-fold together; (ii) co-transfection of pSCB6 with pUSF-2deltaN (a dominant negative USF-2 expression plasmid) resulting in an 80% decrease in promoter activity; and (iii) mutation of the E-box element (from 5'-CACGTG to 5'-CGCGTT in the pSCB6 basal promoter construct) abolishing transactivation of cathepsin B by USF-1 and USF-2. These results collectively indicate that an E-box at nucleotides -7 to -2 of the cathepsin B promoter is critical to the expression of cathepsin B and that binding of USF-1 and USF-2 to this E-box can regulate cathepsin B promoter activity.

Cathepsin B↗

TATA box and Sp1 sites mediate the activation of c-myc promoter P1 by immunoglobulin kappa enhancers.

In Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) cells the proto-oncogene c-myc is transcriptionally activated by chromosomal translocation to the immunoglobulin (Ig) gene loci. This activation is characterized by preferential transcription from the c-myc promoter P1 and accomplished by juxtaposed Ig enhancer elements. To identify promoter elements required for enhancer-activated P1 transcription, we studied the activation of c-myc reporter gene constructs by the Ig kappa intron and 3' enhancers. Deletion analysis defined the core promoter with a TATA box and two adjacent GC/GT boxes upstream sufficient for basal and enhancer-activated transcription. Gel retardation assays revealed Sp1's binding affinity to the GC/GT box proximal to the TATA box to be higher than to the distal one. This difference correlated well with the resulting levels of transcription mediated by Sp1 in contransfection experiments in BL and Sp1-deficient SL2 cells. Sp3 also bound to the core promoter in vitro, but failed to transactivate in vivo. Mutation of the distal Sp1 site moderately affected basal transcription concomitant with a modest decrease in enhancer stimulation. Mutation of the proximal Sp1 site almost entirely abolished basal as well as enhanced transcription. A considerable level of basal transcription was maintained upon mutation of the TATA box, whereas enhancer-activated transcription largely was abolished. Stable transfection of the BL cell line Raji with constructs containing core promoter mutations confirmed that the proximal Sp1 site and the TATA box are essential for the activation of promoter P1 by the Ig kappa enhancers.

Burkitt Lymphoma↗

Unequal nuclear Sp1/GC box DNA binding activity distinguishes proliferating from differentiated senescent or apoptotic cells.

Terminal differentiation can result in either viable, non-proliferating or apoptotic cells. In B16 melanoma, millimolar L-tyrosine induces tyrosinase, a key enzyme for terminal pigmentation concurrent with either irreversible growth arrest at low cell density, or apoptosis at high cell density. Since the promoter for melanocyte-specific tyrosinase expression contains sites for the Sp1 transcription factor, we have investigated the relationship of Sp1-mediated GC-box DNA binding activity to growth control in undifferentiated and in terminally differentiated viable or apoptotic cells. Nuclear extracts from viable, differentiated cells showed increased retardation of GC box DNA sequence compared with that seen in proliferating cells or those reversibly arrested in early G(1) or late G(1) / S. In contrast, nuclear proteins from dying, differentiated cells showed loss of nuclear GC box DNA binding activity without decrease in binding to TTTGCGCG sequences recognized by the E2F transcription factor, which is known to interact with Sp1. However, cyto-plasmic fractions from apoptotic cells revealed phos-phatase-activated retardation of GC box DNA, which was not evident in similarly treated fractions from undifferentiated cells or sparse differentiated cells. Terminal differentiation also correlated with increase in a slow-migrating phosphorylated Sp1 isoform. Our data suggests that lack of nuclear Sp1/GC box DNA binding activity, may promote apoptosis by diminishing expression of survival-associated genes regulated by GC box DNA promoter sequences in dense terminally differentiated melanoma cells.

Animals↗

Bone tissue-specific transcription of the osteocalcin gene: role of an activator osteoblast-specific complex and suppressor hox proteins that bind the OC box.

Bone-specific expression of the osteocalcin gene is transcriptionally controlled. Deletion analysis of osteocalcin promoter sequences by transient transfection of osseous (ROS 17/2.8) and nonosseous (R2 fibroblast) cells revealed that the most proximal 108 nucleotides are sufficient to confer tissue-specific expression. By gel mobility shift assays with wild-type and mutated oligonucleotides and nuclear extracts from several different cell lines we identified a novel transcription factor complex which exhibits sequence-specific interactions with the primary transcriptional element, the OC box (nt -99 to -76). This OC box binding protein (OCBP) is present only in osteoblast-like cells. Methylation interference demonstrated association of the factor with OC box sequences overlapping the Msx homeodomain consensus binding site. By assaying several mutations of the OC box, both in gel shift and transient transfection studies using ROS 17/2.8, we show the following. First, binding of OCBP correlates with osteocalcin promoter activity in ROS 17/2.8 cells. Increased binding leads to a 2-3-fold increase in transcription, while decreased binding results in transcription 30-40% of control. Second, homeodomain protein binding suppresses transcription. However, Msx expression is critical for full development of the bone phenotype as determined by antisense studies. Last, we show that one of the mutations of the OC box permits expression of osteocalcin in non-osseous cell lines. In summary, we demonstrate association of at least two classes of tissue-restricted transcription factors with the OC box element, the OCBP and Msx proteins, supporting the concept that these sequences contribute to defining tissue specificity.

Animals↗

Zn(II)-salphen complexes as versatile building blocks for the construction of supramolecular box assemblies.

Zn(II)-salphen complexes are readily accessible and interesting supramolecular building blocks with a large structural diversity. Higher-order supramolecular assemblies, such as molecular boxes based on a bis-Zn(II)-salphen building block and various ditopic bipyridine ligands, have been constructed by means of supramolecular, coordinative Zn(II)-N(pyr) interactions. The use of bipyridine ligands of differing sizes enables the construction of structures with predefined box diameters. The features of the 2:2 box assemblies were investigated in detail by (variable temperature) NMR spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, NMR titrations, and X-ray crystallographic studies. The spectroscopic studies reveal a high association constant for the Zn(II)-salphen-pyridyl motif, which lies in the range 10(5)-10(6) M(-1). The strong interaction between the Zn(II) center and pyridine donors was supported by PM3 calculations that showed a relatively high Lewis acid character of the metal center in the salphen complex. Titration curves monitored by UV-visible show a cooperative effect between the two bipyridine ligands upon complexation to the bis-Zn(II) template, suggesting the formation of 2:2 complexes. The crystal structures of two supramolecular boxes have been determined. In both examples such a 2:2 assembly is present in the solid state, and the box size is different because they consist of different building blocks. Interestingly, the box assemblies line up in the solid state to form porous channels that are potentially useful in a number of applications.

Journal Article↗

An intact Box C sequence in the U3 snRNA is required for binding of fibrillarin, the protein common to the major family of nucleolar snRNPs.

The mammalian U3 snRNP is one member of a recently described family of nucleolar snRNPs which also includes U8, U13, U14, X and Y. All of these snRNPs are immunoprecipitable by anti-fibrillarin autoantibodies, suggesting the existence of a common binding site for the 34 kDa fibrillarin (Fb) protein. Two short nucleotide sequences, called Boxes C and D, present in each of these RNAs are the most likely sites for fibrillarin binding. We have developed a HeLa in vitro assembly system for binding of fibrillarin to human U3 snRNA. Reconstitution of the input RNA is specific in our assay since four of the other nucleolar small RNAs (U8, U13, X and Y) which have Boxes C and D become immunoprecipitable by anti-fibrillarin whereas two RNAs which lack these sequences (5S and 5.8S) do not. Deletion analyses of the U3 snRNA demonstrate that the presence of Box C but not Box D is required for fibrillarin binding. Moreover, seven single or double site-specific mutations in the U3 Box C abolish binding. The role of the Box C-fibrillarin interaction in the biogenesis of the Fb snRNPs is discussed.

Base Sequence↗

Recognition of the Xenopus ribosomal core promoter by the transcription factor xUBF involves multiple HMG box domains and leads to an xUBF interdomain interaction.

The interaction of the ribosomal transcription factor xUBF with the RNA polymerase I core promoter of Xenopus laevis has been studied both at the DNA and protein levels. It is shown that a single xUBF-DNA complex forms over the 40S initiation site (+1) and involves at least the DNA sequences between -20 and +60 bp. DNA sequences upstream of +10 and downstream of +18 are each sufficient to direct complex formation independently. HMG box 1 of xUBF independently recognizes the sequences -20 to -1 and +1 to +22 and the addition of the N-terminal dimerization domain to HMG box 1 stabilizes its interaction with these sequences approximately 10-fold. HMG boxes 2/3 interact with the DNA downstream of +22 and can independently position xUBF across the initiation site. The C-terminal segment of xUBF, HMG boxes 4, 5 or the acidic domain, directly or indirectly interact with HMG box 1, making the core promoter sequences between -11 and -15 hypersensitive to DNase. This interaction also requires the DNA sequences between +17 and +32, i.e. the HMG box 2/3 binding site. The data suggest extensive folding of the core promoter within the xUBF complex.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Transcriptional activation of the testis-specific histone H1t gene by RFX2 may require both proximal promoter X-box elements.

The rat testis-specific linker histone H1t gene is transcribed in pachytene primary spermatocytes during spermatogenesis. Our previous work using transgenic mice demonstrated that spermatocyte-specific transcription of the H1t gene is dependent upon a proximal promoter element designated the TE element. TE is composed of two adjacent and inverted imperfect repeat sequences designated TE1 and TE2 and both of these palindromic elements are similar in sequence to the X-box, a DNA consensus sequence that binds regulatory factor X (RFX). RFX2 is the major enriched protein derived from rat testis nuclear extracts when using the TE1 element as an affinity chromatography probe. Co-expression of RFX2 together with an H1t promoted reporter vector in transient expression assays activates the H1t promoter in the GC-2spd germinal cell line, and mutation of either X-box significantly represses activity. However, RFX2 partially reactivates the promoter when either of the X-box elements is independently mutated. In order to totally block reactivation by RFX2, it is necessary to mutate both X-boxes simultaneously. Therefore, RFX2 appears to be able to bind to either X-box independently to partially activate the promoter of the testis-specific histone H1t gene, but simultaneous binding of RFX2 to both X-box elements may be required for maximal promoter activation.

Animals↗

The effect of box shape on the dynamic properties of proteins simulated under periodic boundary conditions.

The effect of the box shape on the dynamic behavior of proteins simulated under periodic boundary conditions is evaluated. In particular, the influence of simulation boxes defined by the near-densest lattice packing (NDLP) in conjunction with rotational constraints is compared to that of standard box types without these constraints. Three different proteins of varying size, shape, and secondary structure content were examined in the study. The statistical significance of differences in RMSD, radius of gyration, solvent-accessible surface, number of hydrogen bonds, and secondary structure content between proteins, box types, and the application or not of rotational constraints has been assessed. Furthermore, the differences in the collective modes for each protein between different boxes and the application or not of rotational constraints have been examined. In total 105 simulations were performed, and the results compared using a three-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) for properties derived from the trajectories and a three-way univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) for collective modes. It is shown that application of roto-translational constraints does not have a statistically significant effect on the results obtained from the different simulations. However, the choice of simulation box was found to have a small (5-10%), but statistically significant effect on the behavior of two of the three proteins included in the study.

Protein Conformation↗

The T-box near the zinc fingers of the human vitamin D receptor is required for heterodimeric DNA binding and transactivation.

The T-box mediates binding of retinoid X receptor (RXR) homodimers to DNA while the P- and D-box in the zinc fingers of steroid hormone receptors play roles in DNA-binding specificity and homodimerization, respectively. We investigated the function of these elements in the human vitamin D receptor (hVDR) by mutating a Lys-Glu pair of amino acids in the T-box, and by altering the P- and D-boxes to the corresponding residues of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). The T-box mutant hVDR displayed attenuated vitamin D responsive element (VDRE) binding in the presence of RXR and was severely compromised in transcriptional activation. In contrast, GR P/D-box mutant hVDRs bound to the rat osteocalcin VDRE and elicited near normal transcriptional activation. The T-box mutant uniquely exhibited dominant negative properties, highlighting the significance of this region of hVDR for heterodimeric transcriptional activation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Helix stop and start signals in peptides and proteins. The capping box does not necessarily prevent helix elongation.

Recently, several papers have addressed the existence of helix stop signals at the beginning of alpha-helices. It has been indicated that the existence of a reciprocal backbone-side-chain hydrogen-bond interaction, designated the capping box, could be one of these signals. The fingerprint sequence of this capping box is Ser/Thr-X-X-Glu/Gln. In the fifth alpha-helix of the chemotactic alpha/beta parallel protein CheY there is such a sequence in the middle of the helix. In a peptide corresponding to this alpha-helix the capping box is bypassed, as deduced from NMR analysis. However, making the peptide shorter so that the capping box fingerprint is closer to the beginning of the peptide results in the formation of the capping box. These results indicate that, although the capping box could play a role in stabilizing and nucleating helical peptides in solution, it is not necessarily a stop signal and can be bypassed when favourable interactions exist between the surrounding residues.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Differential effects of global ischemia on delayed matching- and non-matching-to-position tasks in the water maze and Skinner box.

In order to assess effects of global ischemia in tasks of spatial learning and working memory, male Wistar rats were subjected to four vessel occlusion (4 VO) for periods of 5, 10, and 20 min and compared with sham-operated controls over four test phases, from 6 to 54 weeks after surgery. Rats were assessed on acquisition in the water maze, a task that is sensitive to ischemic impairments, before testing in Skinner box and water maze working memory tasks, which both require the short-term storage of information, but make different demands on spatial information processing. Phases 1 and 3 assessed spatial learning in a standard water maze procedure (12 and 10 training days, 2 trials/day with a 10-min intertrial interval: ITI). Phase 2 involved training and testing in delayed non-matching-to-position task in the Skinner box, with delays of 2-10 s between the information and choice stages. Phase 4 examined working memory in a water maze delayed matching-to-position task with 4 trials/day, an ITI of 30 s, and a novel platform position on each day. Ischemic rats showed duration-related impairments in water maze acquisition and working memory, but not in the less spatially demanding Skinner box task. Since water maze acquisition deficits were seen both before and after testing in the Skinner box the lack of effect cannot be attributed to time or to prior training. Ischemic deficits were more marked in Phase 3 than in Phase 1 of acquisition, suggesting that impairment may be progressive. Histological assessment showed that cell loss was largely confined to the hippocampal CA1 field and was linearly related to duration of occlusion. At the maximal level of loss (5.7 mm before the interaural line) the 20-min group showed 90% loss, the 10-min group 60% loss, and the 5-min group, which did not differ from controls, less than 10% loss. Only the 20-min group showed significant damage beyond the CA1 field, ranging from 30-40% loss in the CA3 field to 5% loss in one striatal area. No cortical damage was seen. The extent of CA1 cell loss correlated modestly with water maze acquisition (Phase 3) and working memory scores, but not with trials to criterion in the Skinner box task. There were significant correlations between different measures both within and between water maze tasks, but not Skinner box tasks, suggesting that the two types of procedure engaged different cognitive processes. The results indicate that the intrahippocampal damage induced by 4 VO impaired tasks which required processing of allocentric spatial information, but did not impair the storage of limited spatial information in working memory.

Animals↗

GSBF1, a seedling-specific bZIP DNA-binding protein with preference for a 'split' G-box-related element in Brassica napus RbcS promoters.

Promoters of RbcS genes may contain a GS-box, which is a cis element with a core sequence related to the G-box, but split by a spacer of about 14 bp. Here we describe GSBF1, a DNA-binding protein that specifically interacts with a GS-box element located proximal to the G-box in the Brassica napus RbcS IV promoter. Sequence analysis of GSBF1 revealed a basic region/leucine zipper (bZIP) domain that displays structural features distinct from that of G-box binding factors (GBFs). Gel shift experiments showed that recombinant GSBF1 does not efficiently bind to the continuous G-box motif. RNA gel blot analysis indicated that GSBF1 transcripts are cotyledon-specific and accumulate to the highest levels during late seedling development in a ligh-dependent manner. During the same time period, RbcS IV transcript levels decreased simultaneously, suggesting that GSBF1 acts as a developmental, stage-specific, negative regulator of RbcS IV gene expression in rape seedlings.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Presence and abundance of CENP-B box sequences in great ape subsets of primate-specific alpha-satellite DNA.

CENP-B, a highly conserved centromere-associated protein, binds to alpha-satellite DNA, the centromeric satellite of primate chromosomes, at a 17-bp sequence, the CENP-B box. By fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with an oligomer specific for the CENP-B box sequence, we have demonstrated the abundance of CENP-B boxes on all chromosomes (except the Y) of humans, chimpanzee, pygmy chimpanzee, gorilla, and orangutan. This sequence motif was not detected in the genomes of other primates, including gibbons, Old and New World monkeys, and prosimians. Our results indicate that the CENP-B box containing subtype of alpha-satellite DNA may have emerged recently in the evolution of the large-bodied hominoids, after divergence of the phylogenetic lines leading to gibbons and apes; the box is thus on the order of 15-25 million years of age. The rapid process of dispersal and fixation of the CENP-B box sequence throughout the human and great ape genomes is thought to be a consequence of concerted evolution of alpha-satellite subsets on both homologous and nonhomologous chromosomes.

Animals↗

Phylogenetic relationships of HMG box DNA-binding domains.

HMG boxes were initially identified as DNA-binding domains of the human RNA polymerase I (pol I) transcription factor hUBF and the animal high-mobility-group (HMG) protein family HMG1. Since then, numerous sequences of HMG-box-containing HMG proteins and other DNA-binding proteins from several species have become available. By sequence comparisons of a selected range of HMG boxes from these proteins and the construction of phylogenetic trees we show that the HMG box is highly conserved between DNA-binding proteins of organisms from all three eukaryotic kingdoms and that HMG boxes are linked by distinct evolutionary relationships. In addition, most HMG boxes display comparable hydropathy profiles and amino acid arrangements, which could serve as nuclear targeting sequences.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Interactions of molecular probes with living cells and tissues. Part 1. Some general mechanistic proposals, making use of a simplistic Chinese box model.

A simple and generalised model-termed the simplistic Chinese box [SCB] model-for the interaction of molecular probes with living systems is described. The SCB model includes the following assumptions. That living systems may be considered as built from biologically defined boxes, e.g. whole cell, nucleus, nucleoli. That movement of molecular probes into and through these boxes is strongly influenced by box wall permeability, which in turn is largely dependent on the simple physicochemical properties of probe and wall. That retention of probes in boxes is influenced by permeability of the walls and by trapping of probes by boxes and walls, the latter effect also being strongly dependent on simple physicochemical properties. That important physicochemical properties include electric charge, hydrophilicity/lipophilicity, non-specific protein binding, and molecular size. That, since all these factors can be expressed or modelled numerically, SAR methodology is an appropriate technique for analysing molecular probe investigations.

Biological Transport↗